Come out! It's time to fly!

His little sister left the nest yesterday . . . we can hear her young voice in the woods nearby. But this little guy won’t leave. Both parents have been coming to the nest tree all day calling and calling and calling, trying to coax him into taking his first flight. It is fascinating and funny—he’ll try to work up the courage to jump while calling “wok, wok, wok” like a rock star and then hide back inside making baby noises. My wife said it reminded her of a child getting ready to jump off the high dive. On two occasions the father climbed around back and started pecking away as if to scare him out.

IMAGE LINK: https://www.flickr.com …94438230@N07/14​398517651/

A heart-warming shot, Barry, and one I'm sure every baby bird goes through. A neighbour of mine wrote a book about our local eagles and the screeching that goes on just before they fly for the first time. The look on the baby here is priceless, you lucky guy!

Have to agree Barry, that nature at its best and you got it good, well done sir!

Fantastic shot and such a wonderful story and series!

Very well done, Barry.

Well done Barry. I've really enjoyed looking at all your Pileated posts! The little guy will be out in no time.

Another great shot, as already mentioned you have had a great series to share as they have progressed through growing up so far, been some great viewing and told the story day by day.
Congratulations on finding these WP's so close to your home and thanks for sharing the photos and your time posting.

I'm going to miss seeing these cute little faces peaking out every day! Another great shot and story to match!

Great capture Barry! It's also been a great series you've had going, thx for sharing the journey

Another in a great behavioral series Barry!!!

C'mon Son, you're embarrassing me!

I could envision Dad using those exact words, of course in Pileated-speak . So Barry, still consider these a nemesis bird? I think not!
This image is a priceless slice of time in this series and wonderful to boot. You've kept us all riveted to the development of these youngsters and rightfully so. There can't be too many who've been able to follow youngsters like these as diligently and beautifully as you have. To commend you is still an understatement in my book.
Now, all we want is in-flight images of both youngsters, and maybe both parents while you're at it.....and you thought you were almost done.

Wonderful shot Barry, normally mom and dad tease them out with food I thought?

Wallace River wrote in post #16966382
A heart-warming shot, Barry, and one I'm sure every baby bird goes through. A neighbour of mine wrote a book about our local eagles and the screeching that goes on just before they fly for the first time. The look on the baby here is priceless, you lucky guy!

Thank you very much Ian. Their simultaneous cries were unbelievable. It was like an Amazon rain forest soundtrack. Thanks again!

Oldjackssparrows wrote in post #16966426
Have to agree Barry, that nature at its best and you got it good, well done sir!

Many thanks Bret. Watching the scene unfold was just breathtaking.

butterfly2937 wrote in post #16966589
Fantastic shot and such a wonderful story and series!

Thank you so much Carol. This has been a remarkable several weeks for me. I'm glad I was able to share it with people who appreciate it.

ldn323 wrote in post #16966647
Very well done, Barry.

Thank you Lihn. I appreciate it!

txcanon wrote in post #16966737
Well done Barry. I've really enjoyed looking at all your Pileated posts! The little guy will be out in no time.

Thanks Brad! I'm glad you enjoyed looking at them. I've certainly enjoyed taking them.

Grizz1 wrote in post #16966742
Another great shot, as already mentioned you have had a great series to share as they have progressed through growing up so far, been some great viewing and told the story day by day.

Congratulations on finding these WP's so close to your home and thanks for sharing the photos and your time posting.

Thank you very much Steve. I'm so glad my watchful neighbor noticed the nest and informed me. I'm glad you've enjoyed the series!

SJC from VT wrote in post #16966959
I'm going to miss seeing these cute little faces peaking out every day! Another great shot and story to match!

Thanks Sandy! I'm already missing going up there to watch them. Thanks again!

CMOats wrote in post #16966971
Great capture Barry! It's also been a great series you've had going, thx for sharing the journey

Thank you very much for your comments Cheryl. I'm glad you enjoyed them.

TedEllis wrote in post #16966990
Another in a great behavioral series Barry!!!

Thank you very much Ted. I appreciate your encouragement!

CamFan01 wrote in post #16967096
C'mon Son, you're embarrassing me!

I could envision Dad using those exact words, of course in Pileated-speak . So Barry, still consider these a nemesis bird? I think not!
This image is a priceless slice of time in this series and wonderful to boot. You've kept us all riveted to the development of these youngsters and rightfully so. There can't be too many who've been able to follow youngsters like these as diligently and beautifully as you have. To commend you is still an understatement in my book.
Now, all we want is in-flight images of both youngsters, and maybe both parents while you're at it.....and you thought you were almost done.

Hahaha, Steve. Yeah, since I have around three thousand pileated photographs, I'll have to pick a new "nemesis bird." Thank you so much for your kind compliments. I've learned a great deal regarding photography while doing this . . . thanks to you and several others on this forum.

Lester Wareham wrote in post #16967518
Wonderful shot Barry, normally mom and dad tease them out with food I thought?

Thank you much Lester.

Today's update: Lester mentioned luring the youngster out with food . . . That's what we thought while watching them yesterday. The father came around calling and calling without feeding him as much. This morning we were there early and saw him get fed two big meals. We thought he would snooze for a while after that and came home for a few minutes to get breakfast. When we got back he was gone.
The male returned and looked the nest over and found it empty. He immediately soared over into some woods and started calling. I couldn't see but could hear what followed. Within moments there was a young return call. Back and forth they called as the father flew closer and closer. Finally they found each other and the youngster started doing the baby like "purring" noise.
I was disappointed to have missed seeing either youngster leaving the nest but refuse to complain. That would have been only more icing on an already very well iced cake.

Have you been asked to be part of the christening, Godfather? Know you're loving this-don't blame you. I would be, too! And we are enjoying too through your imagery and dialogue. Excellent work, Barry!

I have to say thank's Barry for sharing, you did a great job and got some fantastic stuff. I enjoyed them all.